Team Rocket's Sneasel

Description

Team Rocket's Sneasel appears as card number 128 in the 2025 Pokémon Destined Rivals set, bringing a distinct Darkness-type presence to the TCG landscape. Designed by GIDORA, this Rare Holo card captures the cunning nature of the Pokémon, aligning with its Pokédex lore about hiding under the cover of darkness to ambush prey. For collectors, the Holo finish adds a premium visual appeal to this basic stage card, making it a notable addition to any Destined Rivals collection. Beyond its aesthetic value, this card offers intriguing gameplay potential. With 80 HP, it serves as a resilient starter for Darkness decks. Its primary attack, Darkness Scratch, deals 20 damage, but its true strategic depth lies in its second move: DarknessStrike the Sleeper. This attack allows the user to deal 20 damage to a benched Pokémon for each damage counter already present on that target, effectively turning accumulated damage into a powerful offensive weapon. This mechanic encourages players to build strategies around damage accumulation and precise timing. The card’s retreat cost of just one energy makes it highly versatile, allowing trainers to easily reposition it during battles. As part of the 2025 Destined Rivals expansion, Team Rocket's Sneasel represents a key piece of the set's roster, appealing to those who appreciate both the lore of Team Rocket and innovative card mechanics. Collectors often seek out Holo variants for their shimmering finish and higher production quality, while players look for the strategic utility of its damage-scaling attack.